If there’s one thing I’ve learned in my work, it’s that inclusive workplaces don’t just happen. They’re built—with intention, consistency, and a clear commitment to amplifying voices that too often get left out of the conversation.

In a recent episode of DEI After 5, I had the chance to talk with Dr. Nika White, someone who has built her career at the intersection of marketing, leadership, and inclusion. Her journey—from marketing communications into the work of building inclusive environments—reminded me of something I say often: inclusion isn't a vibe. It’s a practice. And intentionality is the engine that drives it.

Let’s break that down.

Inclusion Doesn’t Work Without Intention

There’s a big difference between wanting to be inclusive and choosing to be. The latter requires planning, foresight, and daily action. Dr. White calls this being an intentional inclusionist—someone who actively looks for ways to make space for others and doesn’t wait for permission or a job title to do it.

That kind of inclusion isn’t passive. It doesn’t show up because you added a statement to your website or dropped a few new stock photos into your next marketing campaign. It shows up when you build habits, ask better questions, and create systems that make people feel like they truly belong—not just like they’re being accommodated.

And it’s not just the responsibility of DEI leaders or HR. Anyone can be an intentional inclusionist. In fact, it’s most powerful when it’s embedded into the day-to-day work of people across roles and departments. Think of it as inclusive leadership in action—whether you’re managing people or not.

Storytelling Gets Better When More Voices Are Heard

Here’s where Dr. White’s background in marketing really shines. She knows that storytelling isn’t just fluff—it’s strategy. And when stories are shaped by narrow perspectives, the result is often exclusion, even if unintentional.

When you intentionally bring in underrepresented voices, your narratives don’t just become more diverse—they become more authentic, more resonant, and more powerful. That’s not just good for business. It’s essential for trust, connection, and credibility.

Whether you’re creating a campaign, writing an internal memo, or running a team meeting, ask yourself: Whose perspective is missing? That one question can change the entire tone and impact of your message.

The Real Impact: Belonging, Innovation, and Change

When intentional inclusion becomes part of your workplace culture, the ripple effects are huge. People feel seen. Teams perform better. Innovation increases. And storytelling becomes a tool for transformation instead of just promotion.

I’ve seen it in my own work and in the organizations I partner with: when people feel safe to share, they bring their best ideas forward. But that kind of safety and openness doesn’t come from surface-level statements—it comes from the daily practices of leaders, team members, and communicators who’ve made the choice to include on purpose.

What It Looks Like in Practice

Being an intentional inclusionist might look like:

* Interrupting patterns—noticing who always gets the mic, the opportunity, or the benefit of the doubt.

* Asking better questions—especially in meetings, interviews, and hiring panels.

* Designing with real people in mind—not assumptions.

* Telling stories with, not about, communities you want to reach.

None of this requires a new department or a massive budget. It starts with clarity and commitment.

We All Have a Role

Dr. Nika’s story is a great reminder that inclusion work can be born out of noticing gaps—and then doing something about them. You don’t have to be a “DEI expert” to notice who’s missing from the room or whose ideas are constantly overlooked.

Being an intentional inclusionist is about recognizing your influence—wherever you are in the organization—and choosing to use it to build something better.

Because when we do, everyone benefits. The stories we tell become richer. The culture becomes more connected. And the workplace becomes a place where more people can thrive.

✳️ Want to share how you’re practicing intentional inclusion? Drop a comment or hit reply—I’d love to hear what this looks like for you.

✳️ If this resonated with you, share the post with someone else who’s working to build a better workplace, one intentional act at a time.

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